globalFEST will initiate for the first time a series of awards that celebrate those that excel in the small but crucial global music field in the USA, too often with little recognition.

The annual awards will be presented to artists and members of the field who have been instrumental in making significant, longstanding contributions to the performing arts landscape in the USA through risk taking, addressing cultural diversity and diplomacy, cultural activism, helping to keep, transmit, and extend the world’s ancient traditions, commitment to working with local communities and making a difference to the greater American performing arts landscape as well as other areas. Through an open nomination process performing arts professionals and artists will be able to nominate colleagues, organizations and artists/groups who meet the award criteria. A jury will decide on the final recipients.

The Trouble Worldwide Award will be given in its first year posthumously to Alexandra Nova, for whom it was named. In future years, it will be part of the open nomination process to an industry professional. Nominees will exemplify Alex’s spirit, which was artist centered, innovative, risk-taking, and generous.This award goes to a professional (artist, group, organization, venue or any member of the world music community) living or working substantially in the US at any stage in their career, who has earned respect and praise from the global music community for their outstanding commitment to the field. The Artist Award for sustained achievement will be given to an artist or group who has made an indelible mark with their music; The Impact Award will go to an artist/group, professional or organization for their outstanding commitment to the field.

The awards aim to promote the global music field as a whole, and to highlight the significance of extraordinary work being done each and every day, season by season, show by show. It also hopes to encourage future generations of artists and arts leaders who will improve upon, develop and grow cultural programming in the United States.

globalFEST believes that music can be a driving force toward a society that values cultural diversity as a source of unity rather than division. By moving international music to the center of the performing arts field, globalFEST fosters a robust and sustainable ecosystem for world music in the U.S. globalFEST’s programs catalyze creative and artistic networks that break down cultural and social boundaries to support and share the world’s music through performance, touring, and media. This award is aligned with this mission.

The award will be announced at a pre-festival celebration (to be announced soon).

Award Descriptions

1. Trouble Worldwide Award

This award goes to a non-performing professional living or working substantially in the US who has made an indisputable impact on the global music field through risk taking, innovation and tireless commitment.

This inaugural award goes to Alex Nova who through her tireless, joyful efforts on behalf of bringing people together through music left an indelible mark on the global music field. Her huge open heart will be missed beyond words, and this annual award in her honor and memory will help us always remember what a force she was.

2. Artist Award

This award for sustained achievement will go to an artist or group living or working substantially in the US who has made a lasting impression with their music in the US, their homeland or around the world. Whether through innovation, activism, dynamism, or commitment to preparing the next generation, this award acknowledges the impact artists have at home and abroad.

3. Impact Award

This award goes to a professional (artist, group, organization or any member of the world music community) living or working substantially in the US at any stage in their career, who has earned respect and praise from the global music community for their outstanding commitment to the field.

Goals

These annual awards aim to raise awareness about the pioneers and risk-takers as well as the next generations’ stewards and innovators of our beloved yet under the radar field that are nominated within and by the community itself.

Process

Nominees will be accepted between Oct 9 and Nov 5. Current, past or retired artists and professionals in the performing arts, recorded music, media and related fields can make up to two nominations per category providing each nomination is complete (incomplete nominations will not be considered). You can nominate yourself if you fit this criteria. Nominees must be appropriate for the category in which they are applying, so please follow the directions carefully.

Award Committee

Initial nominations will be narrowed to a shortlist of 10 nominees by globalFEST. An awards committee will be brought together from a broad cross-section of professionals and artists in the field and will be the sole deciders on the final awardees (besides this year’s Trouble Award, see above).

* Process subject to change

* gF has the right to re-categorize a submission

globalFEST launches 3 awards to honor the global music movers and shakers that bring the world's sounds to the United States!

Nominees will have made significant contributions to the United States’ world music ecosystem from artists to industry. You must be able to articulate why you believe your nominees are deserving of this award by explaining their contributions through their actions and accomplishments so the award committee can see how significant their work has been. You cannot nominate the same person for more than one award. All nominees must be living or working substantially in the United States, either currently or during a substantial portion of their career.

Eligible nominees and nominators may fall into some of the following categories:

Nominees must be made online through this form. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Each professional and or artist (see above) may submit up to two nominees per appropriate category. You cannot nominate the same person for more than one award. We will not accept anonymous submissions however your name will not be released to the award committee.